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“Wow. Bold.”
“They were, but a bit of that’s on me. I’d created this mysterious playboy who made great news. And I’d encouraged them in the beginning. I thought it was cool to be in the spotlight. It got old really quick, and that’s where I was in the end. I wanted more than anything for everyone to leave me alone.”
“The press doesn’t take well to their primary target going cold turkey. And I don’t see them taking no for an answer either.”
“You’re correct. That night, I’d had enough. I was actually out on my own, just picking up dinner and heading home when I saw them. They yelled questions to me, and I ignored them. That made it worse. It was like they felt like I owed them answers. They’d been nice enough to keep me on top for months. How dare I shut them down? I was pissed. I took off in my car with them racing after me. A few minutes into the chase, I headed down a side road to my house. It was curvy, and I trusted my ability to navigate it better than their ability to keep up with me. After all, I’d driven it at high speeds drunk before. I was sure I could handle it sober.”
“I can’t imagine how you felt. I’ll never understand why people think they have a right to trample over someone’s privacy, even if they’re a public figure. Everyone deserves their own space.” She squeezed my forearm.
“I was almost there, at the last curve, when I hit it too late and slid across the road. I ended up flipping it a couple of times. I still have no clue how I didn’t go off the side. The assholes following me didn’t bother to even stop to see how I was or call 911. A random passerby that came through a few minutes later called for me. I woke up in the hospital a couple of days later.”
“Were there surgeries? Physical therapy?”
“Both. For months afterward. My asshole behavior stuck around as well. If the so-called friends didn’t leave on their own, I pushed them away. A year went by, and I had just started making progress in PT, and the only people left in my corner were my agent and Amelia, my PT. Until you, they’re the only people I’ve had consistent contact with in ten years.”
“I can’t imagine. I’m not the most social person, but that’s a long time to basically be…”
“A hermit?” I smirked, assuming her next thought.
“Well, yeah. But that sounded rude on the tip of my tongue.”
“It’s okay. It’s the truth. I was a modern-day hermit. For the longest time, I didn’t do anything. Lay on the couch, ordered food in, and watched mindless television shows. After a couple of years, Shelby convinced me to take some editing gigs. No one knew it was me behind the changes, and I never had to talk with anyone. She was the middleman. I lost nearly everything since I wasn’t writing anymore and paying the medical bills. If it wasn’t for Shelby, pulling some money back during the years I was out of my mind, I wouldn’t have had anything left.”
“That was gutsy of her.”
“Right? But it saved my ass. She told me it was thanks for staying with her all those years. And now, I’m here in an effort to reenter society. I literally closed my eyes and pointed to the map. That’s how I ended up in Ashford. I told myself I had to get out there, had to make some connections.”
“So you rented a cabin, bought a truck, and some flannel. All wonderful boxes to check.”
Her comment tickled me. Yes, that’s what I’d done, but not necessarily to fit in. “Not exactly. “The cabin was Shelby’s doing. The flannel and boots were on a whim to fit in, yes. But the truck? It was the heaviest and safest thing I could think of to drive. Before moving, I hadn’t driven since the night of the accident. In the truck, I feel protected.”
“That makes sense. And Ashford’s traffic is nothing like the biggest cities. Honestly, it was a smart move. A great way to get your feet wet.”
“And even the people who recognize me have been great. I know they’re all probably wondering why I’m here and where I’ve been, but no one has made me feel unwelcome. Even at the bonfire, Malia knew exactly who I was and treated me like a normal human being. Getting those reactions has been great.”
“Then there’s me, showing up out of nowhere with a motive.”
“A motive to further you. Not to out me. I know that now. Sometimes I fall back and forget I’m not the only one in the world. I’m sorry about that. I should have listened more and not judged.”
